Protection of children from sale and sexual exploitation following humanitarian crisis due to natural disasters 2012, para. 62
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In every humanitarian crisis, States, international aid agencies and civil society organizations seek to protect children by "rescuing" them from affected areas. Child survivors are frequently mistakenly labeled as orphans and removed from their families and communities to be transferred to orphanages or adopted into new families. This "misguided kindness" may significantly increase the short- and long-term harm caused to children and families who are suffering from the impact of a natural disaster. Experience has shown that girls and boys are usually safer, better cared for and tend to recover more quickly in a family environment within their own communities.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
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Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, including child prostitution, child pornography and other child sexual abuse material